The ChAARiots Shall Run Again; Fascism is the way of the world

[Cyrus Spitama]

The planning pays off; Opportunity knocks

With the conquests in Austria and Hungary, Benito finds himself in good humor. The fallen government leaders are working quietly but furiously in the background to assimilate the new lands into one fully functioning country. A new research facility has been added with the teams from Austria and Hungary competing for work. Things could not be better... To top things off, a drawing has been submitted for his approval regarding the full refurbishment of the Forum.

Monies are appropriated and a large ceremony is held to commemorate the ground breaking for the new Forum. The Italian people are very pleased to see this old symbol of power being restored to its former glory. Workers come from everywhere to volunteer their services. A mood of celebration spreads throughout the Italian empire. For Benito, his celebration is cut short... a new occurrence has stolen his attentions...

The Iberian peninsula has been a trouble filled area for some time but, this new Fascist nation springing forth has caused some duress for Benito. All of his spy reports regard Franco as an opportunist and this new claim to Fascism cannot be anything more than such. The other nations react to this news...

Not to be outdone, Benito commits some aid while France and the UK decide to watch what happens.

Il Duce watches as the Nationalists steadily lose ground to the Republicans. A decision is made; Even though Franco is disliked by all of his advisers, WAR is declared on Rep. Spain to defend the Fascist people of Spain.

Troops are shuffled into transports, a beachhead is established in Barcelona and more troops make their war into the Iberian lands. A very short time after this new war has begun, wonderful news spreads across Italy...

It seems the intense propaganda campaign is paying its dividends! A new salute has been devised by these new countrymen, in order to properly display their respect for Il Duce.

The campaign is going well in Iberia and over half of what was Republican lands is now in the hands of the Italians. Towards the end of the year, more good news spreads in Italy...

Benito is amazed at what the hidden leaders have accomplished in such a short time. A special assembly must be ordered according them with honors. His new allies have outperformed his wildest expectations.

To back his promise, new industrial facilities are ordered in both Austrian and Hungarian homelands along with a heavy focus on more and more consumer goods. The spread of Fascism will come by way of either gunpoint or goodwill.

Research has been active but so far yielding nothing innovative. Yung has advised a new industrial efficiency technology will be under way as soon as the current facilities have been cleared of current work.

And finally, a look at the current front in Spain. One thing the Iberian fighting has proven is his troops are in desperate need for equipment upgrades. The fighting has been hard and slow but superior numbers have won the day for his armies.

Soon, very soon, another important decision must be made...

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Some post update information for you readers.

The custom events for the assimilation of Austria and Hungary come with some limitations.

1) I added to my army the '36 scenario starting forces of Austria and Hungary, all level 0 ( that is '18 inf, cav, and planes). However, I did not add the starting HQ from Austria. Once they are released again, eventually, they will receive all of these units back and in much upgraded condition

2) I am required to constantly maintain at least 1 factory in both of those countries in my build order, prioritizing them to the top if necessary due to shortages.

3) I am required to keep 5 ICs(above what I need to keep dissent from rising) from each country into consumer goods at all time. This is to simulate the propaganda campaign for the spread of Fascism.

4) I took none of the leaders from either country for my armies. They are quietly working in the background training local militias and new army recruits.

Thanks for reading !

 

[Porkman]

I'll let you in on a secret. From January 1st of 1936 to November of 1937 was one play session. Right now, I'm just posting up backlog.

Good work, but what happens when you run out of Monty Python screenshots?

 

[Mico94]

i think you should cover the swastikas...

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Porkman- Don't worry, the interwebz is full of neat and funny pics to suit my storyline when needed Human beings are a never ending comedy.

Mico94- good catch... I have fixed them! Funny thing is I have been trying to be careful. For example, you see my most recent production picture shows Saudi Arabia as the first trading partner. Actually, Germany is but I clicked it down one so I didn't have to blot it out. heh Ah well... late night gaming and posting does lead to some mistakes

 

[unmerged(110172)]

AWW!! You killed off Austria! Well at least they weren't ruled by the Habsburgs. This is a very good AAR so far. I'll be following along. Good job, very enjoyable so far.

 

[unmerged(103362)]

Very nice job so far. Looks like you're dreams of a Roman Empire are coming closer and closer. Are you gonna annex Spain as well, or will you let Franco rule it for you?

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

Kaiser_Krause- read carefully... Austria is not dead. They are simply working VERY hard in my training camps, research labs, and media outlets(propaganda). In due time they will have their day in the sun once again

Carlito Gambino- thanks for reading! As for Spain... you should read the newest update I am about to post

 

[unmerged(110172)]

Austria lives! Yeah!! I can't wait for your next updates on the other hand. Nice job taking advantage in Spain with your army at the same time.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

A new protectorate forms, pt. I

The fighting in Spain has been slow and arduous. The Italian troops are still relying mostly on WWI weaponry. This will not do!! After reviewing reports, Il Duce begins to understand part of the reason for this. Lack of industrial resources to properly equip his armies with modern weaponry. This shortcoming will have to be addressed as soon as the Iberian peninsula calms down...

Finally, the war in Spain winds down and a decision is made...

Franco will be denied a united Iberia... for now...The decision infuriates the Nationalists and they refuse to hold any embassies until we surrender their claims. Benito does not worry however, they need him more than he needs them. The Spanish protectorate government is sent to Tarragona with ample troops to garrison.



'37 is a quiet year for Italy. The propaganda machine is working overtime ensuring all the people of the Italian empire have food and plenty of distracting goods. Oddly enough, the item most in demand was created by accident by a factory worker who dropped a large roll of peppermint candy...

The people have been going crazy and can't get enough of them!!

Well, whatever it takes to keep the people happy is of no great consequence to Il Duce. He must somehow resolve the issue of his armies using outdated equipment. A resolution is devised... We shall update the army is small batches. As soon as research is completed on the most modern technology, each type will receive its upgrade...

First the Cavalry...

then the... Wait! What is this?

War has broken out in Far East Asia, warlords fighting alongside their oppressors, Communists fighting alongside their oppressors... They must be weak to consider such notions... It is of no immediate concern to Il Duce until...

One of the world's largest sleeping giants has been aroused. This worries Il Duce until...

...which worries him even more. Now two of the world's largest giants have taken an active role in the affairs of others. Italy must be careful this does not happen to her.

Now the Airforce upgrades...

'37 comes to a close with very little activity in Europe. Some research gains are made and many spies are placed while some are purged from the homelands. The Soviets have become very friendly as have the British and Germany. The Americans have proven quite resilient due to their spying activity offsetting the efforts of our diplomats. Not much trade takes place with the capitalists. Still, our army lacks modern tactics and equipment, this must be resolved quickly...

 

[The Balbinater]

hah!

madrid is in italian hands...

modernize, modernize, modernize!

what is your belligerence now?

bal

 

[unmerged(89090)]

I believe Franco is clogging up a large part of your claims. Something will have to be done about this.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

A new protectorate forms, pt. II

The year 1938 dawns and Benito feels confident in his recent decisions. There has been little strife to deal with in his country even with all the changes taking place. The economy is doing well, raw materials have been either traded for or seized, research has been making steady gains but, he cannot help thinking there must be something he has overlooked...

The new gains in Spain are rapidly assimilated, the people of that unruly nation are embracing their new protector. Franco and his Nationalists however, are a constant thorn in his side. After months of failed negotiations with him, a choice is made. A unanimous decision by his staff announces it to the people...

Spain must be completely united. The false Fascist leaders must be unseated and the remnants of the peninsula must share in the glory that is Italy's embrace.

Great news comes from the front! A new battle doctrine has been studied and completely researched, allowing his outdated and ill-equipped soldiers to fight with a new fury!

Japan and the USA have bumped into themselves again...

Franco begs for peace and more powers intervene in the Asian Wars

Franco outmaneuvers the Italians and somehow manages to unite his entire force but, it will do him no good...

Spain has been united as one!!

One thing greatly concerns Il Duce, the Germans have made more moves in Europe along with their Asian meddling. Hitler and his Nazis are not slumbering as the west believes them to be...

This occurrence is rapidly followed by demands from the Hungarians and Austrians. Czechoslovakia is being bullied by Germany. The Nazis have promised no further claims but the people know better. The Fascists rise to power and beg for help. Il Duce knows he cannot openly oppose the full might of Germany yet and his empirical advisors demand he take some action... a decision is made... One which Il Duce fears he may regret ...

Ill equipped and rushed for time, the Italian armies redeploy and take action once again in the Balkans. Half his troops are still WWI equipped, his bombers have yet to complete their upgrades, and winter has begun. The one saving grace is his troops are receiving newly built and upgraded artillery units.

Even blessed with these new units, Benito senses a prayer is needed in the hopes that his actions will not provoke a bigger war. He finds himself fuming over the demands made upon him by his advisers. Do they not realize if this effort is rushed, the new empire will falter? Time will tell if this will be their undoing... Benito's hearts pauses when he hears the news the following day...

This could be the powder keg for a European war... We must strike swiftly! Annex the Czechs to protect them and somehow punish the Poles for intervening without angering the rest of the world. Once again, Benito says a prayer in the hopes his dream vision returns with guidance...

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

The Balbinater- I will be posting a staff meeting shortly which will answer your question

thatguy- And so shall it be done !

 

[unmerged(103362)]

Wow, you're really on the warpath here. You must either be very brave or very stupid to declare war on the Czechs, and stupid you are not, so let's hope your braveness matches the strength of your army.

 

[EmprorCoopinius]

Quite an interesting series of updates, careful with all the new wars.

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

A crisis is averted

The war on the Czech lands is swift and with few losses. Il Duce made a huge gamble by bring the entire might of the Italian army to bear on the small country and watches as the country folds in a few quick months...

I apologize for the loss of this picture due to Polish distractions but here is the history log

Now to punish the Polish swiftly...

Il Duce knows that he can wipe the Polish off the face of Europe but, this would be foolish. He must focus on his real prize, the rest of the Med. During some fast and furious fighting which sees many quick gains, he sends a barrage of messages to the Polish cabinet. All are refused... A further lesson must be taught then...

Quick gains are made further into the interior and again, a white peace is tendered. Again, the Poles refuse... Due to their stubbornness, Il Duce decides he must claim a prize.

Faced with the loss of their capitol, the Polish government decides it is prudent to give up a small prize to the might of the Italian armies and lick their wounds. Benito really had no intentions of taking any of the Polish lands but he was angered with the Polish leaders. Maybe this small piece of Eastern Europe will be his eventual gateway to the east. The future is unwritten...

All troops are recalled to the capitol to be reorganized, all staff members are summoned to Rome, and a long awaited staff meeting is to be held. His staff had better be prepared, we have much to discuss...

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

EmprorCoopinius- I think any good AAR has a certain element of roleplay and in this case, the Austrian and Hungarian leadership working in the background for my massive propaganda machine had their say. Certainly I did not want war with Poland but they apparently wanted war with me

Carlito Gambino-

You must either be very brave or very stupid to declare war on the Czechs, and stupid you are not, so let's hope your braveness matches the strength of your army.

This remains to be seen... My army strength is far less than I wish but it is finally all up to date, '36 infantry that is!! lol As for the stupid part... that too remains to be seen

Time for my staff meeting ! Thanks everyone for reading

 

[Cyrus Spitama]

The New Empire weathers its first storm

Situation room, Rome, April 18, 1939:

Benito still wonders if his vision was just a mad dream or if it was a true quest from the powers above. To this day, the visage has not returned to him yet, he still flows with ideas and plan so perhaps that is the presence of the hidden one. Instructions were left with the workers to have a full day's worth of refreshments as he expected himself and his staff to be behind closed doors for the entire day... The meeting begins...

Benito: "Gentlemen, I hope you have all your reports prepared and ready to review. We have seen many gains in these past three years and not once since this plan was set in motion have we all been in the same room as one.

Let me begin by stating how proud I am in our country and the growth it has experienced. The people parade in the streets, merchants flow with goods, mothers are having babies, it truly is a glorious time for our nation. Our armies have met danger eye to eye and bested the worst of them. I do pray this has tempered the soul of our nation for the battles that lie ahead, for many challenges remain. Ciano, please begin..."

Ciano: "Sir, We have made our best efforts at trading with the capitalists in the USA but our efforts have been stymied by their constant canceling of our deals made. It seems they accept our terms and then cancel soon after trying to weasel their way into our populace. I do not suggest continuing any further actions with them.

The British are greatly upset with our activities and annexation of other nations but have continued trading with our nation. Perhaps the most important thing to them is the lire.

We have great relations with both Germany and the Soviet Union despite our activities. They continue to supply us with raw materials of all kinds. I suggest we continue dealing with them as primary trade partners until we are self sustaining.

Because of our aggressiveness, the rest of the world is very cautious about dealing with us. They consider us too belligerent to deal with for any large trade deals. Salute!"

Jung: "Sir, we have expanded all our home air bases to maximum size and added many AA guns for defense. We continue building up the industries in Austria and Hungary but have no spare industry for our Italian peninsula. We are nearly finished advanced industrial efficiency research, which will maximize our output. Up till now, we still have not produced any new land units but all of our divisions are up to date. All of our air forces have completed upgrades as well. I recommend several new lines of infantry production as soon as our new research is completed. Here is our current production and research abilities..."

B-G: "Sir, our people are extremely happy due to our constant efforts to feed them propaganda and consumer goods. At present, the only area of our empire with any dissent is the newly obtained parts of former Czechoslavakia and Cracow. We have managed to eliminate most of the foreign spies on our soil."

Ame: "Despite our best efforts sir, we have not managed to penetrate very deeply into other countries' databases with one exception, France. I will continue with my best efforts on improving this situation. As soon as we gain new technologies it should aid us in our future espionage efforts. As always, I stand ready for any special orders you may have for me and I accept any blame for failure at this point. I shall redouble my efforts."

Grazioli: "Sir, due to our nearly three years of warfare, our supplies have dropped dangerously low and need to be restocked. We cannot support any major campaigns in the near future if we demand to be offensively supplied. At present, all of our borders are dangerously insecure to invasion due to our major offensives deploying all of our troops east. I also recommend building more infantry, escorts for our navy, additional interceptors, and naval bombers. Manpower is the highest I have ever seen! We have recruits offering their combat services and we have the bulk of them working in warehouses and doing various desk jobs! We must begin training them as soon as possible."

Pariani: "Our troop levels are dangerously low sir! If we don't start training new soldiers soon, we risk losing in any major defensive efforts. We currently have 9 major fronts to defend and no troops in place. Current troop levels are 47 INF, 4 CAV, 6 MTN, 10 Garrison, 1 HQ, 10 Militia. In approximately 2 months we shall have a new MTN and INF designs available and will begin training for Pre-Planned Defense Doctrine. Given some more troops in the next year, we can support some large offensives but will have no defenses."

Cavagnari: "Current naval status sir, We have 4 BBs, 8 CAs, 12 CLs, 8 DDs, 12 SSs, and 6 transports. All of the major nations outnumber our fleets but we have the advantage of covering only the Med. at this time. For any serious naval maneuvers we need to at least double our current size and rid of some of the aging ships with limited range. We still currently use 1/3 WWI era ships with model IV CLs and DDs currently being built. We abandoned Fleet-in-Being Doctrine in '38 and have only researched Base Strike doctrine currently. We must put more efforts into research to fully utilize the ships we currently have. Carrier research must be sped up so that we can launch these units by '41."

Valle: "We are currently maintaining 6 flights of INTs, 4 flights of TACs, 6 flights of NAVs, and one troop transport plane. There will be another 2 NAV flights completed before years end with another 8 on order sir. We can support small offensives and will be pressed to hold superiority in the skies above Italy. We need to build more defensive forces as soon as possible. Also, more efforts must be put into research to better organize our air forces and increase their strike ability."

Il Duce glances around the room and notices an eerie calm fills the air. He breaks the silence...

Benito: "Gentlemen, as you can see, we have been lucky so far. We must now put forth our best efforts into research and troop production to reinforce our current holdings. No further offensives are to be planned this year and possibly the next *looks at Miklas and Nagybanya*. I repeat, NO further offensives will be planned! *slams fist on desk*

Now is the time to make even better friends with the industrial giant to our north as we cannot afford an enemy so close to our borders. Let us reinforce all other borders and not aggravate the awakening monster to the north. We shall show our benevolence to the world until we are better prepared to defend ourselves. Spread some of our wealth to all of the nations who sympathize with our cause. Let us not be too greedy.

Meeting concluded! Salute!"

Benito charges out of the meeting room and heads to his private quarters. He is visibly shaken and just now realizes how truly lucky Italy has been so far. His staff cannot witness any break in his confidence. They all look to him for guidance and guide he shall! A small shiver passes up his spine, "Are we are on the brink of destruction or greatness?", he ponders. Which shall it be? If only his dream guide would appear again to bolster his confidence. The future awaits...

 

[intruder alert]

Nice chunk o Poland yo got there. Loving the AAR. Great ideas, and fun story.
Also great to see that nice serial of subs. Keep it up!

King Zog wants in on the action too